Berklee

Guitar for Beginners

This course is part of multiple programs.

Thaddeus Hogarth

Instructor: Thaddeus Hogarth

306,815 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(2,246 reviews)

22 hours to complete
3 weeks at 7 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(2,246 reviews)

22 hours to complete
3 weeks at 7 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Identify string names and numbers and read music notation, tablature, chord block diagrams, and fretboard maps

  • Practice picking, finger picking, and strumming patterns

  • Play various chords including major and minor triads, open, barre, and pose chords

  • Read and play a lead sheet

Details to know

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Assessments

26 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 7 modules in this course

Welcome to Guitar for Beginners! Before you begin the course, we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your Berklee massive online course.

What's included

3 readings1 assignment

In this first lesson, we will take things slow. We will focus on how to choose the right guitar for you and what accessories are essential for any guitar player. We'll also learn the parts of the guitar and get you comfortable with your instrument.

What's included

7 videos4 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this lesson, you will learn how to tune and you will start playing your instrument from the ground up! Be patient and remember: focus on being accurate and play in consistent time with your metronome. These things are far more important than playing with speed.

What's included

7 videos6 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

While you don’t need to be an expert on music theory to play guitar, it is important to know the basic building blocks of music. With this understanding, music will no longer be shrouded in mystery or complexity. This lesson presents fundamental musical ideas in a fun, non-intimidating way.

What's included

4 videos2 readings5 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this lesson, you will dig into scales. Don’t be intimidated. Some of you may have heard of, or practiced, scales. It might have been during piano lessons. Most likely it wasn’t very exciting for you. Hopefully you'll find the approach to scales in lesson 4 much easier and even fun.

What's included

6 videos3 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

In this lesson, you will use all of the skills you’ve gained from the previous lessons to build the foundation of harmony. You will play certain scale notes at the same time to create chords. Let's look at why chords sound like they do, how to build them, how to easily play chords in open position, and how to play chords that you can move all around the neck.

What's included

6 videos1 reading4 assignments1 discussion prompt

Now that you have the "science" of the guitar in your fingers, you will learn a couple of songs. You will do this by using melody (from the scales) and harmony (from the chords) we have learned. You will also learn an essential scale for playing melodies and soloing.

What's included

6 videos1 reading4 assignments1 peer review

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (237 ratings)
Thaddeus Hogarth
Berklee
3 Courses383,605 learners

Offered by

Berklee

Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art

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4.8

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